The Omni Group today releasedOmniKeyMaster, a Mac app designed to allow users who purchased older Mac App Store versions of the company’s software to access discounted upgrades in the future. The app locates installed Omni apps and generates new licenses that unlink the software from the Mac App Store.
OmniKeyMaster is a simple app that finds App Store copies of Omni apps installed on your Mac, then generates equivalent licenses from our store - for free. This gives Mac App Store customers access to discounted pricing when upgrading from the Standard edition to Professional, or when upgrading from one major version to the next.
Another benefit: since they don't have to wait in an approval queue, our direct releases sometimes get earlier access to new features and bug fixes. OmniKeyMaster lets App Store customers access those builds, as well.
Though the apps allow users to access upgrade pricing in the Omni store, it does not provide them with App Store versions of upgraded apps.
Plex allows users to store movie and TV show files on a server and then view those files on a wide variety of client devices including Macs, PCs, a number of smart televisions, the Roku box and the Apple TV. The server also connects to Internet databases to pull IMDB-type metadata on media.
The client, called PlexConnect, used a hack to get video from the Plex Media Server onto the Apple TV. A small Python program on the Mac intercepted DNS requests from the Movie Trailers app on the Apple TV and instead returned a custom XML feed that delivered a list of media and movie streams to the device.
Now, however, Apple has closed the loophole. Previously, the Trailers app used regular HTTP requests and the PlexConnect app intercepted those requests. Now, the Trailers app uses HTTPS and it is likely impossible for the Plex programmers to overcome it.
Plex CTO Elan Feingold told MacRumors that the company was "saddened to hear that PlexConnect stopped working" and that "we can only hope that in the future Apple decides to release an SDK for the ATV". "The level of interest in the project was quite high."
Rovio is planning to debut a new game in its Angry Birds series, entitled Angry Birds Go. Created in partnership with RedBull, the game was first teased in mid-June with a website that featured a bird dashing down a pathway.
Angry Birds Go is unlike Rovio's standard Angry Birds games, which focus on physics-based puzzles solved by flinging birds at various structures. Instead, the game appears to be a kart racing game. As noted by our sister site TouchArcade, Redbull has a multitude of racing games in the App Store already.
The specific game mechanics are unclear, but it does appear that players will race karts against each other. While the video teaser does not mention a specific release date, it does say "All will be revealed soon!"
Judge Denise Cote today told Apple and the Department of Justice that she does not want to intrude unnecessarily on Apple's business when levying a punishment for the company's e-book collusion charge. The statement came after she reviewed the DOJ's revised remedy, which was submitted last Friday.
As with the original remedy, the revised proposal suggests that Apple submit to third-party anti-collusion monitoring and subjects the company to an injunction that prevents Apple from entering into media deals that might raise prices for the company's competitors.
The terms state that Apple must dissolve all existing deals with publishers and renegotiate them on a staggered basis to prevent further collusion. The DOJ also wants Apple to allow competitors such as Amazon to insert hyperlinks to their own e-book stores in their iOS apps, with the government insisting that Apple initiated its in-app subscription rules "to retaliate against Amazon for competitive conduct that Apple disapproved of."
For its part, Apple has called the DOJ's proposal a "draconian and punitive intrusion into Apple's business," insisting that Department of Justice is attempting to set up an unfair competitive advantage for Amazon and is
According to Cote, she will approve remedies in the case next week. Apple has said that it continues to disagree with her antitrust finding and plans to pursue its appeal.
An unusual patent awarded to Apple today suggests that the company is looking into the possibility of integrating so-called "silent disco" technology into its upcoming devices, according to AppleInsider. The patent, No. 8,521,316, was first filed back in March 2010 and lists Sylvain Louboutin, a former Apple software engineer who now works at Roku as its inventor. It describes a "coordinated group musical experience" in which a "personal communication device" can be used to share music with a group of people.
The patent describes a system whereby musical characteristics such as tempo (BPM) are shared with nearby users and the user's device will automatically select songs that are similar in nature. The system would transmit the digital information of a song being played by one user, or the "roving DJ" as the patent calls it, to any connected devices over the local network. Unlike traditional silent discos, where the same song is transmitted across radio frequencies, this system will use the songs that are already present on a user's device, presumably due to copyright reasons.
The technology is similar to the latest craze dubbed "mobile clubbing", where a group of people get together in one place and dance to their own music. Location, however, is not a deciding factor with Apple's system, as the signals can be transmitted over any means of wireless communication, including the Internet, Bluetooth and local wireless networks.
In other embodiments of the patent, users of the system can "rotate" DJs, so other people can select songs for the group to listen to. The patent notes that the system can be contained within one single application that is downloadable from the App Store.
Although this technology may not be implemented into any upcoming Apple products, it does present an interesting question of sharing music among iTunes users, which may be a key goal for Apple going forward. Its last foray into music-based social networking was Ping, which officially closed at the start of October last year after the service failed to impress its users.
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has published a patent filed by Apple back in September 2008 which describes the "systems and methods for saving and restoring scenes in a multimedia system" (via AppleInsider). Patent number 8,519,820, which lists Alan Cannistraro, a developer who worked on the original iTunes Remote application for iOS devices, appears to show an intelligent universal remote on a generic Apple device that can connect to a variety of audio-visual components around the user's home or workplace. The system is also capable of connecting to various "smart home" devices such as thermostats, lights and window blinds using either a wireless network, Bluetooth or a a similar wireless protocol.
According to the patent, Apple's system would allow users to control all of their connected devices, and would receive signals from each device based on its current operating state. The system proposed by Apple would automatically recognize each device, with data being transmitted over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or a similar wireless protocol.
The system can also detect individual usage patterns and tailor the components to individual requirements. The patent lists an example of a horror movie — a user may want a certain combination of lighting — and this would be recognised by the system. It can also search a list of pre-defined settings that best suits the genre and users will have the option to either accept or reject a suggestion. The patent also describes a system whereby users can stop and restart media when they move around the house — for example, when they move to a room containing another television.
Although the patent was filed back in September 2008, the technology has not yet been implemented on any iOS device. It would also require significant hardware and software commitments by the manufacturers of home audio and visual components, as well as the manufacturers of various "smart home" devices.
Apple today added several new apps to the Apple TV, including the previously reported Vevo music video channel. Other new additions include a dedicated app for The Weather Channel, an app for the Smithsonian Channel, as well as two Disney television apps: Disney Channel and Disney XD.
Vevo has issued a press release announcing its arrival on the Apple TV, noting that it brings access to the site's library of 75,000 music videos.
Apple TV users are sure to recognize the intuitive and efficient design. VEVO viewers are able to quickly browse videos by featured artists including all of the latest premieres. VEVO includes multiple modes of discovery – you can watch on-demand videos from any genre or simply select any video that piques your interest. If you have something particular in mind, perform a search and we will surface what you’re looking for right at your fingertips.
The Weather Channel app offers current conditions and forecasts for a variety of locations, as well as access to featured stories and Weather Channel shows.
The Smithsonian Channel offers on-demand access to streams of full episodes from the television channel, while the Disney Channel and Disney XD apps offer live and on-demand access with authentication through select television providers. Currently supported providers for the Disney apps include AT&T U-verse, Charter, Comcast, Cox, Midcontinent Communications, Optimum, and Verizon FiOS.
All of the new apps are available in the U.S., while availability in other countries varies. We're hearing that in many other countries Vevo is the only addition.
Update: Apple has updated its "What's on Apple TV" page to include the new apps, as well as a mention that iTunes Radio is coming soon.
Twelve South, the Apple accessory company behind the popular BookBook series of cases and a number of different stands, today introduced GhostStand, a new transparent stand designed to elevate any Mac notebook model.
GhostStand floats your MacBook display over six inches off your desk or table to a more comfortable viewing height. Park any MacBook on GhostStand and pair it with your favorite full-size keyboard to enjoy the comforts of a desktop system. The criss-crossed blades on this nearly invisible stand allow for grab-n-go convenience. When you’re ready to pack up your MacBook and hit the road, simply unplug your power cable (and any USB cords) and go, leaving a mysterious sculpture behind.
The top and bottom edges of the stand include double-inlaid brushed metal rails lined with silicone to grip the user's notebook and protect the desk surface.
Twelve South touts that GhostStand is one of the lowest-priced MacBook stands available, priced at $34.99. The GhostStand can be ordered via Twelve South's site or through the online Apple Store.
Google has released its official Chromecast app for iOS today, allowing Apple mobile devices to officially control the HDMI accessory. The app allows for functionality such as managing Chromecast settings for changing the name, password, and settings of the device, as well as allowing setup of the Chromecast through an iOS device. The app also allows users to stream content from iOS apps, including YouTube and Netflix.
Chromecast is the easiest way to enjoy online video and anything from the web on your TV. Plug it into any HDTV and control it with your existing smartphone, tablet, or laptop. No remotes required. Cast your favorites from YouTube, Netflix, Google Play Movies and Google Play Music and Chrome to your TV with the press of a button.
Originally announced and released in July, Chromecast allows for functionality similar to AirPlay and Apple TV, allowing users to mirror content from a tablet, smartphone, or computer. Following the launch of Chromecast, Apple lowered the price of its refurbished Apple TVs to $74, offering a $24 discount off of its intended $99 price. Additionally, a comparison chart between Chromecast, Apple TV, and media device Roku surfaced to examine the differences between all devices.
Google’s Chromecast app can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]
EA Sports has released Madden NFL 25 for iOS, the newest iteration in its popular sports franchise. The release marks the first time the game is free to play, along with offering in-app purchases for use with Madden’s Ultimate Team feature which allows the user to collect player cards and use them in game. The game also features all 32 NFL teams and solo challenges, as well as new touch controls that allow for easier gestures.
An experience 25 years in the making! EA SPORTS delivers the most authentic NFL football experience to date on iPhone® and iPad® with MADDEN NFL 25. Build your Ultimate Team of NFL stars and run the show on offense and defense with new and improved touch controls, game modes and much more!
Back in May, officials in San Francisco proudly touted a plan by Apple to move its existing Stockton Street flagship store three blocks north, giving the store a larger footprint and a prime location in the Union Square shopping district.
Apple's original design for new San Francisco flagship store
Apple's plans quickly ran into resistance, however, with critics panning Apple's proposal to remove a sculptural fountain along Stockton Street and the design's 80-foot-long windowless wall along a key pedestrian and transit corridor on Stockton. As the project proceeded through the city's planning process, officials made clear that significant changes would be needed for the project if it was to receive approval.
As noted by the San Francisco Chronicle, Apple has now filed revised plans for the store, addressing the major criticisms of the project. Among the most prominent changes is a move to retain the fountain by noted sculpture artist Ruth Asawa, who died earlier this month. The fountain will be moved slightly, but will remain close to its current location.
Ruth Asawa's "San Francisco Fountain" that Apple has now proposed keeping on the site
Another change for the project involves the addition of an eight-foot wide window along the Stockton Street frontage, extending from the sidewalk to the roof to break up the massing and provide visual interest for those passing by. The window will also continue across the roof of the store to create a skylight.
"We've been working with the city of San Francisco as they review our ideas for an Apple Store on Union Square," Apple spokeswoman Amy Bessette said Monday. "Our latest design includes a store with more natural light and a plaza on Stockton Street that includes the fountain by Ruth Asawa, just a few feet away from its current location."
A third change addresses planners' concerns about a monotonous glass wall along the main Post Street frontage, with Apple now proposing to pull the glass wall back by four feet from the metal frame of the building, offering a greater sense of depth and more shadows for visual interest.
City officials quoted in the story seem pleased by Apple's proposed changes, although the project must still pass through full review before it can be approved. Apple has not announced when it plans to open the new store, and any internal targets may yet be affected San Francisco's frequently unpredictable review and permitting processes.
Update: Renderings of the revised plan showing the fountain, vertical window along Stockton Street side, and recessed glass on Post Street frontage.
Nuance, the company which powers Siri's speech recognition capabilities, sent an email to developers using its API today claiming the General Availability release of iOS 7 will be delivered on September 10, according to journalist Owen Williams (via TheNextWeb).
It's unclear how Nuance would get this information, but it's unlikely that a company outside of Apple would have detailed information about Apple's iOS release plans.
Historically, Apple has released iOS Golden Master versions to developers on the same day as the announcement of new iPhones, giving developers time to test their apps with the final version of the new iOS before its release it to the general public a couple of days before the launch of the new iPhone.
Apple will reportedly announce the next-generation iPhone on September 10 and will likely unveil both the iPhone 5S and the lower-cost iPhone 5C. Both devices are rumored to launch in select markets on September 20.
Apple today responded (via GigaOM) to the Department of Justice's revised proposal accusing Apple of implementing in-app purchase rules to spite Amazon, stating that the DOJ is simply "seeking a remedy that would give Amazon a significant competitive advantage over Apple."
Plantiffs are seeking a remedy that would give Amazon a significant competitive advantage over Apple – an advantage it is neither entitled to nor deserves. This is plainly improper and highly counterproductive.
Now–after the trial is over and this court has ruled–is not the time to adjudicate a whole new array of legal and factual issues based on evidence that is outside the record and which largely post-dates the events at issue.
First filed last Friday, the DOJ's revised punishment for Apple's guilty collusion verdict suggested Apple had initiated its in-app purchasing rules in order to "retaliate against Amazon for competitive conduct that Apple disapproved of" and to "make it more difficult for consumers using Apple devices to compare ebook prices among different retailers."
In the proposal, the DOJ aimed to provide support for its argument that Apple should be forced to allow e-book retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble to place links to their respective bookstores within their App Store apps. Apple is opposed to the idea, as it would give Amazon a way to sell books within its App Store apps while avoiding paying Apple a 30% cut of the proceeds.
The DOJ also argued that Apple should be subjected to third party monitoring to prevent future collusion and should have staggered renegotiations with book publishers. Apple conceded to this last point, but continues to fight both the monitor and the suggestion that Amazon and other e-book retailers should be allowed links in their App Store apps.
Apple and the DOJ will meet with Judge Cote to further discuss the proposal on Tuesday. In addition to the DOJ's proposed punishment, Apple could also be forced to pay up to $500 million in damages.
Apple has launched a newly redesigned AppleCare website that includes 24/7 live chat support, reports 9to5Mac. First rumored in early August, the redesign includes large, easy-to-click buttons and a simpler design.
The page features links to each of Apple's products, including Macs, iPods, iPhones, and iPads, as well as a number of services including iTunes and other apps.
When clicking one of the aforementioned categories, the site will offer further options. For example, in the iPhone section of the help site, users are presented with simple topic problems to narrow down the scope of an issue.
After an issue has been selected, customers are able to talk to choose from several different help options, including a phone call with Apple Support, a live chat session, or an in-person appointment at the Genius Bar or other Apple Authorized Service Provider.
According to 9to5Mac, both the site design and the 24-hour chat support are being introduced to customers on a rolling basis.
On the topic of live chat support, we're told that 24/7 chat support has begun rolling out. Initially, the support was limited to certain hardware and software, but now Apple is supporting both Mac and iOS Device support at every hour of the day and night.
While the new AppleCare site has begun going live for some readers, other users are reporting that they are still seeing the old website. It is likely that Apple will complete the release of the redesign in the coming days.
Following its Support site redesign, Apple is expected to make significant changes to its AppleCare services in the coming months, aiming to switch to per-user AppleCare subscription plans rather than offering specific device coverage. Apple has also begun to perform more iPhone repairs in house, electing to replace displays and other parts instead of providing device replacements.
A new video gives a detailed look at of Apple's upcoming "champagne" iPhone 5S along with a close look at the blue low-cost iPhone "5C". The video, posted by AppAdvice, compares the backplates of both devices to the existing iPhone 5 and gives the clearest look yet at the design of Apple's newest iPhones.
As noted in multiple descriptions of the "gold" iPhone, the color is closer to a light champagne than it is to a bright and garish gold. The video depicts a subdued gold color that matches well with the silver of the existing iPhone 5.
The iPhone 5C and 5S backplates in the video appear to be similar in size to the existing iPhone 5. While the low-cost iPhone is slightly thicker due to its polycarbonate shell, the iPhone 5S is nearly identical to the iPhone 5 with the exception of the dual-LED rear flash. The iPhone 5S, which will be Apple's new flagship device, is also expected to feature a redesigned home button to incorporate its fingerprint sensor.
Though the iPhone 5S will feature improvements to the processor along with camera upgrades and other enhancements, the iPhone 5C will likely utilize existing iPhone 5 parts as it is rumored to be a replacement for the iPhone 5.
The iPhone 5C is shown in blue, but it will come in an array of colors including blue, green, red, yellow, and white. Apple is not expected to produce a black iPhone 5C, but all of the 5Cs will feature standard black faceplates with a matching black Apple logo on the back of the device.
As noted by AppAdvice the iPhone 5S features a shiny metallic logo along with thinner "iPhone" text, which appears to be inline with both the lettering on the iPhone 5C and Apple's overall adoption of skinnier fonts.
Earlier today a rumor surfaced suggesting that Apple could have a “graphite” colored iPhone 5S in the works, which would accompany the champagne/white, silver/white, and slate/black iPhone 5S varieties.
Both the iPhone 5S and the iPhone 5C are expected to debut at an iPhone event held in September.
Siri is now giving snarky responses to users who give the attention signal used by Google Glass users, 'Okay Glass'. This is not the first time users have noticed Siri giving special responses to queries.
Apple also posted a job listing in the January looking for writers to enhance Siri's wit and personality.
Siri responds to 'Okay Glass' with a number of different responses:
Just so you know, I don't do anything when you blink at me.
Stop trying to strap me to your forehead. It won't work.
I think that glass is half empty.
I'm not Glass. And I'm just fine with that.
Very funny. I mean, not funny "ha-ha," but funny.
Glass? I think you've got the wrong assistant.
Siri's speech generator is receiving a significant update in iOS 7, gaining a "clearer, more natural-sounding female or male voice" as well as access to more data sources. It will also be able to control more phone functions like turning Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on and off.
Apple executives are traveling to Russia this week to meet with the company’s top retailers and distributors in the country, reports TechCrunch. At the meetings, execs are said to be discussing tactics to increase sales and supplies in Russia, as well as covering which iPhone models will be sold.
In Russia, we understand, Apple is sending over some of its top people to meet with various retailers in the country. It seems that the details of what the meetings will entail have been very limited, even to the parties themselves.
"Apple is coming to town to talk to different retailers," one told me. "There is going to be a discussion about getting more active in Russia with the iPhone. I assume the discussions will include models that will be launched here.”
As with China Mobile in China and DoCoMo in Japan, Apple has had trouble securing deals with Russian carriers. After Russia's largest carrier, Mobile TeleSystems (MTS), opted to stop selling the iPhone in 2012 over contractual disagreements, Apple’s only iPhone distribution in the country has been through third-party retailers. Supplies in the country are routed through a single distributor and often constrained, an issue which Apple appears to be looking to fix.
Today, Apple has a deal in place with one distributor, Svyaznoy, which is also one of the country’s main mobile phone retailers itself. In addition to its own retail business, Svyaznoy acts as a distributor to other retailers, both offline and online. Its competitors, understandably, think this is unfair at best. "We either don’t get access to iPhones, or a sub-minimum level of stock from Svayznoy," a retailer told me. "You rely only on Svyaznoy, but they completely control the supply and the market.”
In Russia, carriers and retailers are unable to offer subsidized pricing. High taxes also make the iPhone expensive in the country, and Apple’s contracts often require carriers to purchase a large number of phones. Though that’s a daunting prospect with the standard iPhone, the lower-cost iPhone that Apple is developing could be more appealing to consumers, retailers, and carriers, in terms of supply and cost.
Despite the fact that iPhones in Russia are sold outside of carriers, Tim Cook noted during Apple’s third quarter earnings call that iPhone activations in Russia were at an all time high. He also said that Apple was seeking other relationships in the country to "add and enhance" the current ones.
Apple's iPhone 5S and lower-cost iPhone 5C are expected to debut during a September 10 iPhone event. While rumors have suggested that the phone will launch on September 20 in multiple countries, Russia often gets its iPhone supplies several months after launch.
Biggest design overhaul since iOS 7 with Liquid Glass, plus new Apple Intelligence features and improvements to Messages, Phone, Safari, Shortcuts, and more. Developer beta available now ahead of public beta in July.
Biggest design overhaul since iOS 7 with Liquid Glass, plus new Apple Intelligence features and improvements to Messages, Phone, Safari, Shortcuts, and more. Developer beta available now ahead of public beta in July.
The Omni Group today released OmniKeyMaster, a Mac app designed to allow users who purchased older Mac App Store versions of the company’s software to access discounted upgrades in the future. The app locates installed Omni apps and generates new licenses that unlink the software from the Mac App Store.
Judge Denise Cote today 
Siri is now 
Apple executives are 
